Photo: Roman A. Lagazyuk (Роман А. Лагазюк)CC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Hairy Wood-rush Plant Care
Luzula pilosa (L.) Willd.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its delicate, hair-like leaves that form dense tufts, this plant is native to Europe and Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to Luzula pilosa for its unique texture and ability to thrive in shady areas, making it a versatile addition to any garden or landscape.
Every 7–14 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Hairy Wood-rush?
Water Hairy Wood-rush every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Hairy Wood-rush Native To?
What Is the Hairy Wood-rush?
Hairy Wood-rush (Luzula pilosa) belongs to the Juncaceae family within the Luzula genus. Hairy Wood-rush is native to northern Europe and western Asia. Hairy Wood-rush is also known as Spring Wood-rush.
Hairy Wood-rush displays a clumping perennial grass growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Hairy Wood-rush produces small, inconspicuous flowers on slender stems.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hairy Wood-rush?
Luzula pilosa requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Hairy Wood-rush Need?
Hairy Wood-rush thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Hairy Wood-rush in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hairy Wood-rush Prefer?
Luzula pilosa grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Hairy Wood-rush prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hairy Wood-rush?
Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Hairy Wood-rush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hairy Wood-rush?
Feed Hairy Wood-rush every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Hairy Wood-rush?
Divide and repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Hairy Wood-rush?
Hairy Wood-rush can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to canary wood-rush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hairy Wood-rush Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hairy Wood-rush, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Hairy Wood-rush?
Hairy Wood-rush is susceptible to slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Hairy Wood-rush Need?
Hairy Wood-rush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Hairy Wood-rush is native to northern Europe and western Asia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Hairy Wood-rush is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Luzula genus — compare its care with other Luzula species on PlantoScan.
Luzula is part of the Juncaceae plant family — browse all Juncaceae genera and species.
Hairy Wood-rush copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Luzula Species
Other Luzula species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Luzula pilosa (L.) Willd., family Juncaceae (first published in Enum. Pl. : 393 (1809)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hairy Wood-rush, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Roman A. Lagazyuk (Роман А. Лагазюк), CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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